What was supposed to be the example of “new politics” and a model of transparency has today turned into one of the biggest scandals of silence and concealment. The issue surrounding Minister Gerlien Croes’ private jet continues to escalate in an unprecedented legal and political battle, leaving the public with a single key question: What is the minister hiding?
The matter took a decisive turn after the Advisory Committee on Administrative Objections (Bezwaaradviescommissie LAR) ruled entirely in favor of the petitioner. The verdict was clear: the minister must provide answers. However, instead of facing the public, the minister chose to send a letter to the committee containing statements that were directly characterized as lies and a mockery of the justice system.
In her letter, Minister Croes mentioned that she paid “part of the landing fee” in Curaçao. But the mockery becomes even greater as she categorically refused to provide essential details:
• How much did she pay exactly?
• To whom was this payment made?
• On what date did the transaction take place?
According to MEP faction leader Evelyn Wever-Croes, the minister simply closed the door and declared that she will not provide any further information. This attitude completely breaks the campaign promise of a clean and transparent government, transforming the discourse of “change” into a wall of silence that smells of serious irregularities.
Steps forward to unmask the truth: Legal and political actions do not stop here. The battle for transparency continues on several fronts simultaneously to force the minister to account for her actions:
The ball is in Parliament’s court: This matter requires immediate action from the Speaker of Parliament, Marlon Sneek, so as not to continue covering for the minister or holding back the democratic oversight process.
The LAR process continues: The court process via LAR proceeds firmly to compel the surrender of all documents and evidence that the minister is refusing to provide.
Question of integrity and corruption: The case will be brought intensely before the Public Prosecutor’s Office and Bureau Integriteit to determine whether this lack of clarity crosses the line into a formal act of corruption.
The fact that an official prefers to face multiple legal cases, an objection committee, and integrity investigations instead of answering three simple questions raises enormous concern in the community. Her actions in this case not only tarnish the credibility of the current AVP-FUTURO government, but also raise deep questions about whether this minister possesses the moral and political authority to remain in a position of leadership for Aruba. The pressure for the truth to come to light will not stop here.
As long as this case is ongoing, should a new election occur, current Minister Gerlien Croes will not pass the screening to become a minister. Furthermore, if the case proceeds and it is determined that the minister crossed the line into what becomes a formal act of corruption, Minister Gerlien Croes will never be able to hold a ministerial position again. For this reason, it is crucial that the minister accounts for her actions so she can clear up all existing doubts.